Police question witness in shooting of Elko man

Thursday, April 1, 1999 | 9:55 a.m.

Kody D. Iverson, 16, was arrested Tuesday and charged with killing his father, Gordon Kyle Kirk, 49, about 9 p.m. on Monday.

Kirk, an employee of Newmont Mining, died from a shot to the head from a 9mm handgun, police said.

The shooting occurred in the kitchen area of a tiny 400-square foot home the two shared. Iverson moved to Elko last fall from Kellogg, Idaho, to live with his natural father, police said.

The Elko Daily Free Press reported in Wednesday's editions that the youth told police he had "some problems" with his father.

Morris told KELK Radio that police were questioning an eyewitness to the fatal shooting. Investigators were hopeful he will lead them to the murder weapon, which they believe belonged to Kirk, Morris said.

Iverson telephoned police about 9:15 p.m. Monday to notify them of the shooting, Morris said.

Police arrived at the scene to find the door locked with a deadbolt from the inside.

The fact the door was locked from the inside made detectives suspicious of Iverson almost from the start, Morrison said.

"Basically, whoever shot him had to have access to the house and needed keys to secure the residence upon leaving the home," Morris said.

Morris said Elko city and county officers had to kick in the front door to enter the residence.

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